Retiring in Hawaii on the Big Island is an ideal way to embrace a relaxing lifestyle and enjoy the outdoors. Before you pack your bags, you’ll need to find housing that’s affordable and practical. Apartment rentals can meet these criteria and provide flexibility as you get accustomed to island life. To help you start your next chapter on the right foot, here are a few characteristics you’ll want.

What to Look for During Your Big Island Apartment Search

1. Central Location

Choose a complex that’s just a few minutes away from grocery stores, health care providers, restaurants, and entertainment sources. You’ll spend more time doing the activities you enjoy rather than sitting in traffic on the way to the destination.

2. Convenient Parking

Make sure your new apartment rental comes with a parking stall, so you don’t have to trek blocks back to the unit. This amenity also makes it easy to bring groceries into the house and load the car for a day at the beach.

3. Outdoor Areas

As you virtually tour potential properties, make sure the community has outdoor areas where you can lounge and enjoy Hawaii’s perfect weather. Look for a complex that offers green hills and trees to enjoy a picnic or covered patios to read a book.

4. Eco-Conscious Amenities

An apartment complex that offers eco-friendly amenities will help you save money after you make the move. Units with solar-powered water heaters will provide you with comfortable showers without wasting nonrenewable energy sources. You should also find a unit with trees and awnings, as they’ll shade your living spaces from the sun. As a result, you’ll have cooler indoor temperatures and won’t need to run fans or an AC as frequently, minimizing your utility bill.

If you’re looking for a new island home, check out Lailani Apartments in Kailua-Kona, HI. This complex features spacious outdoor areas with trees, and all units come with a dedicated parking stall and solar water heater. View a gallery of their apartment rentals online, or call (808) 329-2684 to find out how you can apply.